Continuous operation of the day is essential for the normal development of the child, however, combined with hypersensitivity rituals can be an early sign of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

a child monotonous daily routine and repeat the same ritual meals, bathing, sleep plays an important role in the correct, healthy child development.Nevertheless, the combination of these rituals with increased oral or tactile sensitivity, such as discomfort when visiting the dentist or irritation when in contact with certain tissues may be an early symptom of obsessive-compulsive disorder in adulthood.

Scientists from Tel Aviv University believe that the hypersensitivity and excessive adherence to childhood rituals can predict the manifestation of OCD as the child grows.For the first time this association was seen when working with patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder, which talked about the increased sensitivity to touch and individual tastes of childhood.

On the basis of these data, researchers condu

cted a study and confirmed the existence of a direct link between sensory perception and ritualistic and obsessive-compulsive behavior.

The study was published in the Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry.

When children experience discomfort from the increased sensitivity, they tend to repetitive ritualistic behaviors to better cope with irritating environmental influences.In the long term is one of the ways to the development of obsessive-compulsive disorder.

OCD and hypersensitivity

Two studies were conducted to identify the relationship between sensory perception, rituals and OCD.In the first study, parents of preschool children to answer questions about the features of the behavior of children.The questionnaire included questions reveals a penchant for ritual behavior, such as the need to repeat certain actions or to arrange things in a certain order;the level of anxiety in the child with questions about reactions to strangers, feelings about the various events and attachment to the other members of the family;and finally, the children's reactions to everyday household irritants, such as sensitivity to touch, or the perception of unfamiliar smells and tastes.

In the second study the questions of sensitivity, anxiety and OCD tendencies of development of said 314 adult patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Both studies found an association between compulsive tendencies and hypersensitivity.In children, hypersensitivity to point to a tendency to ritual behavior, while in adults hypersensitivity associated with OCD.Overall results of the study confirmed the theory that the hypersensitivity in children may be an early warning sign of obsessive-compulsive disorder later in life.

importance of children's habits

Of course, many children have their own special rituals, habits and preferences, not all of which are essential symptoms of OCD.However, parents should pay more attention to children's behavior.For example, if the child is very consistent and committed to certain rituals and too worried and experiencing, if for some reason can not follow them, this behavior can be a sign of OCD.

is also important and the child's age.Habits at the age of five or six years does not necessarily predict the development of OCD.However, maintaining the same habits to eight years of age and becomes more worrisome sign, especially if accompanied by excessive nervousness and feelings.